KWF
Exploration Call 2027-1
Pre-proposal deadline: 3 November 2026, 12:00 noon. Full proposal deadline: 13 April 2027, 12:00 noon.
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The KWF Exploration Call 2027-1 funds fundamental and credentialing cancer research, including psychosocial mechanisms, at Dutch institutions through a two-stage application process. This is KWF's final project-based exploration call; from 2028 KWF transitions to Research Group Funding, making this a last opportunity under the current scheme.
Details
| Funder | KWF |
| Deadline | 3 November 2026 |
| Application | 2-stage: pre-proposal (opens 1 Sep 2026, closes 3 Nov 2026) → full proposal (opens 15 Feb 2027, closes 13 Apr 2027); consortium interviews June 2027; funding decision August 2027 |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Eligible countries | NL |
Eligibility & scope
Funds fundamental (Basic Research phase 1) and credentialing (phase 2) cancer research, covering biological mechanisms of cancer onset/progression and psychosocial impacts. Applicants must submit via KWF GMS; unregistered institutes must register ≥6 weeks before closing. This is KWF's final project-based Exploration Call; from 2028 KWF transitions to Research Group Funding.
Who Should Apply
- •Researchers at Dutch academic or hospital institutions conducting fundamental cancer research
- •Teams proposing Basic Research Phase 1 (hypothesis-driven) or Phase 2 (credentialing) projects
- •Consortium proposals with multiple participating institutes
- •Projects investigating cancer biology, including psychosocial mechanisms
Key Dates
- •Pre-proposal deadline: 3 November 2026, 12:00 noon (opens 1 September 2026)
- •Full proposal deadline: 13 April 2027, 12:00 noon (opens 15 February 2027)
- •Consortium interviews mid-June 2027; funding decision August 2027
Tips for Applicants
- ✓Register your institution in KWF GMS at least 6 weeks before the pre-proposal deadline (by mid-September 2026) if not already participating.
- ✓This is KWF's final project-based Exploration Call; from 2028 the funder shifts to Research Group Funding, so plan accordingly if you anticipate future KWF applications.
- ✓Psychosocial research is explicitly in scope, if your cancer project touches behavioural, psychological, or social dimensions, make this clear in the pre-proposal framing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline for the KWF Exploration Call 2027-1?
Pre-proposal deadline is 3 November 2026 at 12:00 noon; full proposals are due 13 April 2027 at 12:00 noon.
What types of cancer research are eligible for KWF Exploration Call 2027-1?
Fundamental (Basic Research Phase 1) and credentialing (Phase 2) cancer research, including psychosocial mechanisms.
Is this the last KWF Exploration Call?
Yes, this is KWF's final project-based exploration call; from 2028 KWF transitions to Research Group Funding.
Where must KWF Exploration Call 2027-1 applicants be based?
Participating institutions must be based in the Netherlands and registered in the KWF GMS system.
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Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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